Phase II trial of streptozotocin, mitomycin-C and 5-fluorouracil (SMF) in the treatment of advanced pancreatic cancer.

Ten of 23 patients with advanced measureable adenocarcinoma of the pancreas achieved an objective response after treatment with a regimen consisting of streptozotocin, mitomycin-C and 5-fluorouracil (SMF). The median duration of response is in excess of 7 months and responding patients have lived significantly longer than patients with progressive disease (7.5 + months vs. 3 months). The SMF regimen was adequately tolerated. Principal toxicities included myelosuppression, which was generally mild, nausea and vomiting. There was reversible nephrotoxicity in the form of proteinuria in 30% of patients and persistent axotemia in 9% of patients.